Luke Murphy

Number 8

D.O.B.

21/10/1989

Birthplace

Rode Heath

Height

6ft 2in

Weight

11st 7lbs

Nickname

Murph

Position

Midfielder

Signed

Academy Graduate

Pen Pic

From the class of 2008 academy players, Luke Murphy has already made his mark on the first team.

He was thrust into the first team during the christmas period in 2008 when he came on against Swindon to make his first team debut. He played a part in each of Dario's remaining caretaker games including his first start and first goal at Hartlepool. He scored the third in a 1-4 win over the Monkey Hangers in the days before Gudjon Thordarson arrived at the club.

He remained in Thordarson's plans till the end of January when an injury forced him out for three months.

Back in the side for the final few games of the 08-09 season, Murphy was given the chance to make a strong start to his 09-10 campaign.

Unfortunately the emergence of Ashley Westwood, best mate James Bailey and the loan signing of Simon Walton made it difficult for any of them to hold down a central midfield spot where there was also competition from Steve Schumacher.

Throughout the 09/10 season Murphy has remained in and around the first team picture, making 16 starts and 8 substitute appearances. In August 2009 his spectacular goal against Accrington was about the only bright point of the 5-3 defeat.